Basic Gear for Rock Climbing
by Pica Struttura
http://www.climbingco.com
Are you an outdoorsy, rugged person who is eager to trek
into exotic places and tackle the face of some sheer rock?
Don't worry if you're not. After all, traveling to exotic
spots costs lots of cash that many people just can't afford.
However, many people still enjoy rock climbing from the
indoors at places like dedicated rock climbing venues,
fitness centers, and athletic gyms. While not many people
are willing to risk the dangers of falling from a real rock
extension, lots of people do have the desire to learn this
heart-throbbing sport in the complete safety of indoors.
Thanks in part to safe indoor place where you can try your
hand at rock climbing, this sport's popularity has picked
up. But, before you can quickly traverse up the rock face,
you need to use how to use some special equipment. Some
people attribute their ability to rock climb by owning great
equipment. Until you learn how to use this equipment and
rock climbing techniques, you may want to rent equipment.
Once you look pretty good, investing in good equipment will
further improve your appearance. Most rock climbers start
with a few basic pieces such as a harness, climbing
carabiner, a belay device, and a tight fitting pair of
climbing shoes.
First of all, do you plan on doing top rope climbing or lead
climbing? Then, you need a harness - a piece of safety gear
worn by you for your protection. Inspect your harness's
stitching and tie-in points every time you climb. If your
harness shows signs of wear, get rid of it now rather than
watching it become too safe for use. Harnesses are made of
nylon so it should be stored in a clean, dry spot away from
sunlight to prevent it from degrading.
Next, do you want to be hitched safely in place onto a rope?
You must have several carabiners - oval or D-shaped hitching
devices with a spring gate that are fastened onto a climbing
rope. Although construction workers use a carabiner, you
don't want to use the same construction-grade carabiners.
Instead, you'll use a carabiner for climbing that is much
lighter, made from lightweight aluminum, and designed for
easy operation by one hand.
Have you seen actors in movies rappel down a cliff using a
rope apparatus? That rope apparatus is called a belay
device, also called a rappel device. Automatic belay
systems are commonly already installed on many indoor
rock-climbing venues. A climber's rate of descent is
controlled by the amount of slack put on the rope. If the
climber looses control, such as during a fall, the belay
system locks in place. Another common type of belay device
arrangement is a two-person unit.
Climbing shoes are a most important purchase. Climbing
shoes are designed with a thick sticky rubber on the soles
for gripping rock surfaces while the midsole is typically
made of plastic to provide support to the foot. A
climbing shoe should tightly fit the foot without cramping
the toes or impinging anywhere on the foot with a seam.
Climbing shoes are available in slip-on and lace-up
varieties.
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